Courses Taught during the course of each semester.

 Percussion Pedagogy Class. This course is to acquire myriad knowledge of modern techniques in playing mallet instruments, timpani, snare drum, world percussion, and multiple percussion instruments, in a group setting. It is an ensemble approach to teaching and learning percussion instruments.  Students perform, compose/arrange, and conduct using various percussion configurations.

Applied Percussion Instruments

It offers diverse and up-to-date viewpoints on performance, interpretation and technique in a uniquely interactive program of study in the mallet studio, timpani studio, multi-percussion, and theatrical percussion studios. The program is designed to encourage a learning process in which musical diversity stimulates and sustains creativity and thoughtfulness in the percussive performing arts.

Jury examination required at end of semester. Required is attendance at percussion recitals, master classes, and participation in the percussion studio or mallet ensemble. Each student is required to own the appropriate mallets, sticks, tambourines, and triangles.

Percussion Ensemble:

The Benedict College Percussion Studio Percussion Ensemble, directed and conducted by James Orlick, focuses its' repertoire on the seminal works of the 20/21st centuries. Although a relatively new art form, the percussion ensemble repertoire spans nearly 100 years. From the powerful works of iconoclast Edgar Varese and to the cutting edge compositional styles of Philip Glass. 
The Benedict College Percussion Studio Ensemble explores the entire range of styles and mediums, including world music. Finally, the Percussion Studio Ensemble is a rich venue in which Benedict student and faculty composers' works are performed. Important theatrical/percussion works by such composers as Stockhuasen, Kagal, Henze and other influential composers of our time are also presented.

The Benedict College Percussion Ensemble presents one major concert each semester. The ensemble meets for 3 hours during the concert preparation period, per week. Repertoire is far ranging including percussion ensemble classics, world premiers, experimental, world music, commercial, with film, with dance, painterly, and with mixed ensembles.

Music Appreciation: (3)

A chronological survey of music through the ages, with emphasis on the development of music in relation to the other arts from antiquity to the present.  Aside from the lectures, musical and artistic examples through recordings and audio-visual devices are employed. This course is designed to enhance the pleasure and understanding of the students in listening to music.  It will also give them a sense of music as a part of the fabric of life that will heighten their comprehension of it through a broad human context.  As the primary outcome, students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in discussing, reading, writing about, and listening to music of the various composers which are represented within each era.  In addition, it is hoped that each student will gain demonstrative and intelligent tools for attending concerts, as well as an appreciation for the different aspects of western and nonwestern music.